Page 11 of A Triple C Ranch Christmas Wedding
“Well, you keep topping yourself Emma. I’ve never known a cook as good as you. Not in all my years.”
“I’m making peanut butter cookies today,” she said, giving him a wink. “For after the tree trimming.”
“Well, now, I hope you save me some,” he said.
She laughed. “Always do.”
He sent her a happy smile, and then after dropping his dishes in the sink, went on to get his ladder.
Outside,Red grinned at Timbers. She couldn’t wait to put up the Christmas tree with him. “This is going to be the best Christmas ever.”
“Because this is your first live Christmas tree?” Timbers asked.
“Yes, and because you’ll be with me to help me set it up,” she said. “And this tree is the perfect size for my tiny apartment.”
“You’ll need lights and stuff,” he said. “Unless you already have them.”
“Nope.” She shook her head. “I need all the things.” Her eyes lit again.
Timbers laughed. “Then we’re going shopping for your tree trimmings,” he said. “Today, before I take you home.”
Their plans were short-lived, as just before Timbers drove out of the parking lot, Emma came out the front door waving her arms and yelling for them to stop.
Timbers rolled down his window.
“It’s Buck,” she yelled. “I think he’s having a heart attack or something!”
“Oh, no!” Red gasped, and her face went pale.
“He’s staggering and not answering me,” Emma said. “Hurry!”
Red and Timbers were both out of the truck and running toward the steps, all thoughts of shopping for Red’s little tree forgotten.
Inside, they hurried over to the old man, who Leah had gotten to sit down on the edge of one of the couches. Buck seemed disoriented.
“Look at me,” Timbers said, remembering his USMC medic training, as he did a visual assessment. “Tell me what your name is. And what day is it?”
“Buck,” the old man said, ignoring the second question.
“Raise both your arms up, like this,” Timbers said, raising his own arms up, slowly, and level with each other.
Buck went to raise his arms, but his right arm wouldn’t go up.
“Possible stroke,” Timbers said. “Has anyone called 911?”
“Yes, I did,” Cecelia said. “I’ll call them back and tell them we need a medical flight. Is there anything else I should tell them?”
“They can land out front of the main house,” Timbers said. “Tell them to look for the flares. I’ll set those up once they’re getting close.”
“Thank you,” Leah said, concern in her eyes.
“No worries,” Timbers said.
“No doctor,” Buck mumbled.
“Yes, you have to see a doctor,” Leah said.
“Got to feed them horses.” Buck got the words out, but they came out mumbled, and as if he’d had to put a lot of effort into them.
